Diplomat: US, Holy See share common ground on human trafficking

July 11, 2013

The United States’ interim envoy to the Holy See has told Vatican Radio that US officials share common ground with Pope Francis on a desire to combat human trafficking. “It’s absolutely something that we know the Holy See cares about and shares our concerns about,” said Chargé d’Affaires Mario Mesquita, the leading US diplomat at the Holy See until the Senate confirmation of President Obama’s ambassador nominee, Ken Hackett. “And indeed it’s been an important issue for Pope Francis,” said Mesquita. “Pope Francis has emphasized the need to act against human trafficking on multiple occasions, and obviously we welcome his strong voice in the international call to action.” The embassy “has had a partnership over the years with the Talitha Kum network, a group of women religious who identify and aid women who’ve been trafficked,” the diplomat added. “So there are a number of organizations that have played important roles, that are an important voice. And one of the missions of our embassy to the Holy See is to continue to foster those partnerships and build strong, effective partnerships and ensure cooperation into the future.”

 

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Further information:

• U.S.: combatting human trafficking is a moral obligation (Vatican Radio)